Climate KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, is celebrating 15 years of transformative action and impact. To mark this milestone, the organisation is unveiling a refreshed brand identity as it transitions to independence from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Now financially self-sufficient, Climate KIC continues to drive education, innovation, and business creation, expanding its global influence beyond its origins. This transition highlights its strengthened capacity to scale impact. Similarly, EIT Digital and EIT InnoEnergy have also reached financial independence, reinforcing the success of the EIT model in cultivating long-term, self-sustaining innovation ecosystems.
A Legacy of Impact and Growth
For the past 15 years, EIT Climate KIC has been at the forefront of climate solutions, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and industries to create lasting impact. As an EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), it has played a key role in advancing climate innovation. Leveraging EIT funding, the organisation has supported the growth of over 2 300 start-ups, securing €1.1 billion in investment, generating 15 000 full-time jobs, and delivering 790 new products. Today, it stands as Europe’s foremost climate innovation network, with more than 200 members, 6 000 businesses, and 44 000 learners.
However, with the climate crisis worsening, Climate KIC recognised the need for a broader, more systemic approach. In recent years, the organisation has expanded its work beyond technological innovation to focus on place-based strategies and systemic transformation.
Orchestration for systemic change: connecting people and solutions
Through its Deep Demonstration projects in Ireland, Slovenia or Gipuzkoa, Climate KIC supports decision-makers in integrating the technical, policy, financial, and business model innovations necessary to realise their own vision of a viable future. Through programs like the Climate Leadership Academy, launching in a couple of weeks, it equips leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed for systemic change, and empowers them to turn ambition into action, starting in Ukraine.
City by city, region by region, country by country, industry by industry, and together with its partners, Climate KIC is creating a movement to demonstrate what is possible and to inspire others to act.
It is also actively revitalising efforts to transform its Community, creating a dynamic space for members and stakeholders to connect with one another, engage with experts, and gain valuable insights into key policy developments both in the EU and globally.
A New Chapter: Scaling Impact Globally
As the EIT grant cycle concludes, Climate KIC embarks on a new phase as an independent foundation. While maintaining strong ties with the EIT and Europe, this shift enables Climate KIC to strengthen its global presence, diversify funding sources, and accelerate climate action beyond European borders.
Operating independently allows Climate KIC to act with greater agility, forging innovative partnerships and driving systemic change at scale.
Today, we are entering a new chapter of our story: drawing down on everything we’ve learned to accelerate transformation at scale, at a time when urgency, complexity, and opportunity are converging. The task ahead of us requires radical collaboration, mass mobilisation, and a new vision for progress – one that prioritises wellbeing, safety, and justice. The real challenge lies in joining up innovations and connecting them into larger socioeconomic and political systems of transformation and meaning-making. Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, Climate KIC
A Bold New Identity
Alongside its structural transition, Climate KIC is launching a refreshed brand identity that reflects both its legacy and its ambitions for the future. The new identity honours the organisation’s history while symbolising transformation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to systemic change.